Upson: No Guarantees

Eric Black has said that Matthew Upson faces a fight to get back into the team.

With the form of Jaidi and Taylor, Upson won't be guaranteed a role back in the side, especially you would think if he continues to hold off on a new contract and angles for a move in January. Black has also denied he will be gifted a first team spot to get him in the shop window.

Upson has returned to action and played three times, twice for the reserves, and once in a training friendly between the reserves and first team, without suffering any breakdown in his recovery.

'The manager will pick the best team available as he always does.

'Those that play will be there on merit and I don't see him changing that.

'To have competitions for places is great, but if they continue the way they have been there are no reasons to change things.

'Matt played the full 90 minutes in a practice game yesterday and looked very comfortable and you can see what a quality of footballer he is.

'Of course he will be pushing to get back into the team very soon, but with the defence performing so well and keeping so many clean sheets, it's a difficult problem for the manager.'